According to Security Analyst Adib Saani, the recurring Jihadist attacks in the sub-Saharan region pose a significant threat to all countries, including Ghana, unless member states collaborate to combat this menace.
Saani suggested that a crucial focus area for enhancing security in Ghana is to adopt a human security approach, which offers a comprehensive framework for tackling the country’s diverse security concerns.
He pointed out that Ghana struggles with marginalization, citing the mistreatment of Fulanis as a concern, exemplified by the recent attack on the Fulani Chief in Kpandai, which highlights the need to address this issue.
“Just about two weeks ago, had it not been for the timely intervention of the IGP, Dr. Dampare, lives would have been lost in Kpandai when the Community attacked the palace of the Fulani chief. There was an over-90-year-old woman and a toddler who couldn’t escape. Unfortunately, the palace…was burnt”.
“Recent incidents involving more injustices against Fulanis is a worrying phenomenon that needs to be addressed”.
Adib Saani, Security Analyst
Adib Saani further emphasized that tackling youth unemployment is essential for maintaining security since idle individuals are often targeted by terrorist groups with enticing incentives, making them more susceptible to radicalization.
He observed that individuals without access to fundamental needs such as water, food, healthcare, sanitation, and shelter tend to feel they have more to gain from dying than living.
Accordingly, Saani stressed that the Human Security Directorate at the National Security Agency plays a vital role in addressing the root causes of these challenges, given their critical impact on national security.
He pointed out that addressing structural issues is a more sustainable approach than allocating the country’s resources and efforts solely towards military personnel, weapons, and hardware.
“In as much as it is important, I think the most important way to handle this is to ensure that the humans are developed”. – Adib Saani
National Security Efforts Underway
Furthermore, Adib Saani observed that while National Security may not publicly disclose its preparations for addressing security concerns, he is confident that the agency is taking necessary steps to ensure the country’s security.
However, he noted that there are concerns, as in the past, some terrorist groups – whose members have either been killed or arrested – have had access to Ghana, representing a significant security breach, given that the country’s borders remain a major challenge.
“To what extent have we leveraged technology such as drone technology to keep tabs on individuals who come in and go out of the country? Besides, when you go to the border towns, there is no difference between Ghana and Burkina Faso or Ghana and Togo. People live in Ghana [and] they work in Togo and vice versa”.
“So how do we deal with it? The intelligence gathering agencies, how are they able to progressively collaborate with the local communities, especially through their chiefs and opinion leaders…to get them to be part of that process?”
Adib Saani, Security Analyst
He called on National Security to enhance its collaboration with civil society organizations and intensify public awareness campaigns, educating citizens on potential security threats and what to watch out for.
Adib Saani emphasized that there is a significant knowledge gap regarding what to look out for and report to national security, underscoring the need for increased collaboration and engagement with various stakeholders to address this issue.
“For example, we should get landlords to at least do some verifications before they give their apartments to strangers”. – Adib Saani
He commended national security for its efforts in maintaining security in the country but cautioned that there is no space for complacency, emphasizing the importance of ongoing improvement and vigilance.
Adib Saani expressed concern over the vulnerability of public spaces, such as shopping malls, and emphasized the need for individuals to take personal responsibility for their own safety in these areas.
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